Just Starting Out

kdean

Hi all,

I would really like to grow something foody but don't really know where to start. I have grown tomatoes before and they were lovely. I would ideally like to grow chillis. Whatever I grow it has to be in pots as I am likely to be moving in September and would want to take it with me (I do have some empty terracotta pots).

I just need to know how to start (seed or plant), what time of year to do it, what soil I need and where to keep it over the winter.

If someone could help I would really appreciate it.

MrsTinks

You might still be able to get some tomato's going and maybe some chilli's if you grow them indoors Otherwise some late peas, rocket, salad, raddishes...

angie_loves_veg

chillis - sow 5 seeds in a 3" pot. elastic band a clear plastic bag over the top to increase warmth and humidity... keep on a windowledge or similar..

when they germinate, you should take the bag off.....

a June sowing is fine for chillis,

when they are 2 or 3 " tall, move into separate pots and let them grow away

Plum_Pie

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=338111&highlight=container+growing

A thread on container growing might be of some use. I'm currently goring in tubs:mini lettuce, courgette, strawberries, cherry tomato, chilli.

rubiales

Lots of places have half price seed sales at the moment (Wilkinsons/Woolworths/Thompson & Morgan online) and there are still plenty of things you can start off that way now. Salad leaves are good and usually quite quick to grow. You can get mixed varieties in one packet and they do well in containers - just pick the leaves you want and leave the rest to grow. Radishes and rocket are quick and tasty, too, either in the border or pots.

If it's plants you are after you may still find tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, herbs etc in garden centres ready to plant out in pots or growbags. You can always try the local school or scout summer fairs, too - there always seem to be veg plants on sale at this time of year and the prices are usually dirt cheap (excuse the pun!!).

Hope this helps!!

kdean

Thanks for your replies.

I now have some chilli seeds which I have planted and covered with clingfilm. I am just waiting for them to grow now. I am very excited and thinking what to grow next. I will have to keep an eye out to see when the best time to plant things is.

MrsTinks

Don't grow impatient with Chilli's... they can easily take 2 weeks to germinate...
Tomato's and peas are very quick to germinate